Religious Traditions Depth Studies - Summaries
Religious Traditions Depth Studies - Summaries
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care
Co-Creation Engaging in an intentional relationship in order to make something together Genesis 2:15
of it.
A form of justice that considers the rights of organisms and the natural environment in addition Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had
Ecojustice Revelations 21:1
to those of human beings. passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
Stewardship The job of supervising or taking care of something That you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil
Matthew 5:45
and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Reign of God The totality of the message and ministry of Jesus
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the
An important assignment given to a person or group of people:
dearth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
Mission The vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the
world and spread its faith. and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Scriptural Links/Sources Christian Teaching Definition/explanation of the issue Denominational/Organisational Action/Response Principal Beliefs Link
Genesis 1:28
The deliberate destruction of forested land such as Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and
trees to make space for agricultural benefits such "The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative brings the commitment, influence and Christians are God's stewards
increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over Stewardship
as animal grazing, and obtaining wood for fuel, moral authority of religions to efforts to protect the world’s rainforests of the earth
the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every
manufacturing and construction. and the indigenous peoples that serve as their guardians."
living creature that moves on the ground.”
Ihram
WHAT IS THE HAJJ
Ihram is the sacred state in which pilgrims carry out the requested rituals to complete Hajj or
Hajj: Islamic ritual performed by the global Muslim community each year Umrah. While in the state of Ihram, there are several restrictions that pilgrims must adhere to.
Umrah: Small hajj When entering Ihram, pilgrims usually recite the following prayer: “I respond to Your call O Allah, I
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and God commands that every able adherent who can respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call
afford to should perform it at least once in a lifetime. Hajj can only be performed during a All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners
specified time with specific rituals, and only in specified places. If it is performed outside the with you.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 621)
specified time, it is not considered a Hajj, but instead referred to as Umrah. Restrictions:
Hajj is a pilgrimage which consists of visiting a number of sacred places, such as Ka’bah Men must not wear any stitched clothing
(the house of God), Mina (place of stoning the devil), and Mount Arafat, where Muslims There is no restriction for women
perform specific rites. Men and women must not trim their nails
It is typically performed once in a lifetime by those Muslims who are physically and Men must keep their heads and faces uncovered at all times
financially able to make the journey to Mecca.
HOW DOES HAJJ EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF ISLAM
Hajj in the Sacred Texts
Qur'an Qur’an, 57:1 “All that is in the heavens and on the earth extols and
Qur’an, 3:96-97: “Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Mekkah), full of blessing, glorifies God, for He is the Tremendous, the Wise”
and a guidance for His creatures. In it, are manifest signs, (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it Tells us that all creatures of God worship and praise Him in the
attains security. And Pilgrimage to the house (Ka’bah) is a duty mankind owes to God, those who can afford the language of their natural disposition
journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures” Believers also obey the call of God by turning up in millions at the time
Hadith of pilgrimage
Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 26, Number 596; Narrated Abu Huraira: ‘The Prophet said, "Whoever performs Hajj for The central aims of worship, that is exalting, glorifying and praising
Allah's pleasure and … does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” God, occur individually and collectively
Sunan an-Nasa'I Book 24, Hadith 7; Abu Hurairah said: ‘The Messenger of Allah said: “The guests of Allah are three: The Muslims exalt God by being present en masse, as though saying ‘You are
ghazi (fighting for God), the Hajj (pilgrim) and the Mu'tamir (Umrah pilgrim)” greater than my self and above the whole of humanity; here we are ready
to worship you in masses’
Significance of Specific Aspects
They glorify God by going around the Ka’bah, as though saying ‘just
Circling the Ka'bah
ISLAM as we are circling the one and only Ka’bah, the oldest place of worship
A common act of worship observed in the universe is that entities orbit a
Significant Practice on earth, we only obey you the Absolute One worthy of worship’
central point
HAJJ They praise God through remembrance at Mt Arafat
This mode of worship is reflected when Muslims circle the Ka'bah, which
MT Arafat displays the simulation of Day of Judgement and connection
is the pivotal point for Muslims because it is the first house of worship
to the beginning of humanity of Earth and mercy of God to humanity
built for the purpose of worshipping the One God
Muslims confirm that God is the centre of their life and they will attempt
Significance for the Community
to see and experience life through God's guidance
Hajj is the greatest yearly social event on a global scale, bringing the whole of the Muslim world together and confirming
Meaning for the Individual the existence, oneness, glory and grace of God
The certainty of the faith of a Muslim increases through Hajj Hajj reminds and confirms the universality of Islam and humanity
Seeing millions of people worship one God is an immense witness that The community experiences a real display of the equality of humanity rather than just hearing about it in theory
He exists The whole of the Muslim world connect with Hajj, wherever the are around the globe, through Nahr and Eid-ul-Adha
Visiting the Ka'bah where as 70 prophets are reported to be buried, and prayer and celebration
Mt Hira where Qur'an first started to be revealed, increases an Pilgrims are received with great admiration and respect by the Muslim community on their return to their home
individual's attachment to the Holy Book and Prophet country
Masses moving in unison and with a common dress stripped of all Muslims around the world as a community renew their connection to each other with mercy and empathy as they are
worldly possessions enact thee Day of Judgement reminded of their true purpose of existence in the world
Seeing the places where human destiny was shaped demonstrates Muslims are reminded of their responsibility to family, community and humanity in relation to God's guidance
Divine Determination God is the true owner of all worldly status, positions and wealth
The extra self-control and exercise of human will remind an individual Accountability to God with a reminder of the Day of Judgement, such as the day of Mt Arafat helps the Muslim
of their accountability in having the freedom of choice community contribute to humanity and the world
Contribution to the Development of Islam Contribution to the Expression of Islam
Rabia demonstrated throughout all her life a rejection of all pleasures both good and bad out of passionate love for Allah. Her life in poverty and celibacy meant that she gained
the respect of her peers. In modern times she is viewed as he model ascetic because of the way she renounced all pleasures. People turn to her. She expressed precisely for
others the strict Muslim concept of not having desires or wants or needs of any kind other than serving Allah. Her sole devotion to God as a mystic, emphasised her intense
personal relationship with Allah
SOURCE OF ISLAMIC ETHICS ETHICAL TEACHINGS
When faced with any ethical decision, Muslim adherents can consult a variety When making decisions regarding the environment, there are a number of key
of sources in order to make the most appropriate decision, thereby submitting ethical teachings in Islam. These teachings serve as key principles that shape
to the will of Allah. They carry different levels of importance; however, all adherents’ understanding of how to treat animals, plants and the wider
sources are important and aid Muslims in daily life. environment.
The holy text of Islam, containing the literal words of Allah. Tawhid Greatness, uniqueness and integrity of all of Allah’s creation
Qur’an There are quotes littered throughout the sacred text which relate to the environment and how (Oneness of Allah) Surah Al Baqarah 2:29 “He it is who created for you, all that is on earth”
one should care and treat for the environment.
Akhira Muslims will be judged and held accountable for their actions, including their use and
They are of secondary importance compared to the Qur’an, containing the sayings and teachings (Afterlife, Day of Judgement) abuse of creation
of the Prophet Muhammad.
Hadith and Sunna
There are several references to how adherents should care for the environment Khalifah Muslims are called to care for and respect all of Allah’s creation
e.g. “lay in the ground the plant at hand even if it is the Last Day [on earth].” (Muhammad) (Stewardship) Surah Al-Fatir 35:39 “It is he who appointed you caliph on this earth”
Completing the five daily prayers allows adherents to ask Allah for guidance and support in the Amana Everything that Allah has entrusted to adherents and instructed them to take care of.
Salat
good and challenging times (Trust) The natural environment and all animals are sacred and valuable.
Muslims believe we were all born with a conscience which was a gift from Allah and should aid in
Conscience ISLAM
following the straight path and overcome struggles.
Ethics
Islamic jurisprudence analysed by Islamic scholars through interpretation of the sacred texts
Shariah Law
and modern sources. ENVIRONMENTAL
TAWHID
The basis of Islam is tawhid, which affects every component of Islam,
Environmental Issues Notes including environmental ethics.
Tawhid is God’s Unity and Oneness and includes not ascribing any form of
The Qur’an talks about how God does not like those who waste: partnership with God.
Qur’an, 6:141 "... Eat of their fruits when they come to fruition, and give (to the poor and the needy)
the due thereof on harvest day. And do not be wasteful; indeed He (God) does not love the wasteful.”
Tawhid, means that God is the Owner and Creator of everything in the
Waste Minimisation Qur’an, 7:31 “O children of Adam! Dress cleanly and beautifully for every act of worship; and eat universe.
and drink, but do not be wasteful: indeed, He does not love the wasteful.” Qur'an, Al-Nisa, 4:126 “To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on
Islam teaches that waste and excess leads to ingratitude and arrogance. When we limit our use of earth” (Tr. Ali)
resources it leads to greater appreciation of each resources used.
This includes the human being, which is part of this interdependent
universe as all is created by God
Islam forbids extravagance in using water. It is related that the Prophet Muhammad passed by his Everything Praises God
companion Sa’ad, who was performing his wudu (ablution), and said:
Water Conservation The Qur’an also says that everything that is in the heavens and the earth
“Water should not be wasted when making ablution even if you are by a flowing river.”
This restriction is not to waste water even if when it is plentiful, that is, in a flowing river praises God:
Qur’an, 17:44 “Glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had few material possessions. praise. But you understand not their glorification..”
He said, “The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveller, who takes a rest under a tree in the Qur’an, 22:18 “See thou not that to God bow down in worship all
shade and then goes on his way” things that are in the heavens and on earth, - the sun, the moon, the
Resource Use He also mended his clothes and repaired his shoes, not wasting God's resources and therefore
implementing the modern campaign “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among
Prophet Muhammad said: mankind”
“Wealth is not a lot of goods but it is being satisfied with what one has” Qur’an, 55:6 “And the herbs and the trees – both (alike) bow in
adoration”